Italy seduces with 3,000 years of history and a zest for life you taste in every espresso and every plate of pasta. From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, the country shaped art, law, language, and the very idea of beauty. Today, you can walk ancient roads by morning, admire Michelangelo by afternoon, and clink glasses of Chianti by sunset.

This 7-day itinerary blends icons and experiences: Rome’s Colosseum and Vatican, Florence’s palaces and piazzas, and a true Motor Valley highlight—driving a Ferrari near Maranello. Between cities, Italy’s high-speed trains make travel quick and simple, so you spend more time savoring and less time schlepping.

Practical notes: book major sights in advance (especially Colosseum and Vatican); trains are efficient and affordable; watch for ZTL (limited traffic) zones if you rent a car; and remember that dinner runs late. Tipping is modest, and regional cuisine changes dramatically as you go—lean in to local specialties in each stop.

Rome

The Eternal City is an outdoor museum of emperors, popes, and artists. Marble columns and Baroque fountains share space with buzzing trattorie and contemporary galleries. It’s busy, yes—but turn a corner and you’ll find a silent basilica or a sunlit courtyard with vines and laundry fluttering above.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trastevere.
• Why go: Ancient history layered with modern Roman life—café culture, neighborhood markets, and a culinary scene that prizes simplicity and flavor.
• Fun facts: Ancient Romans flavored water with herbs at nasoni fountains; the Pantheon’s dome remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome nearly 2,000 years on.

Where to stay (affiliate):

• High-end: Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection – classic Roman glamour near the Spanish Steps.
• Resort vibe: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – art-studded hilltop retreat with panoramic views.
• Boutique: Hotel Santa Maria – serene courtyard oasis in Trastevere.
• Value/hostel-chic: The Beehive – friendly base near Termini.

Browse more stays: VRBO Rome or Hotels.com Rome.

Getting to Rome (affiliate): For intercontinental flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Within Europe, use Omio (flights) or Omio (trains). From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini takes ~32 minutes (~€14); taxis have a fixed city-center fare (~€50–€55).

Day 1: Arrival and an Evening in the Historic Heart

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Shake off the flight with a gentle loop: Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains, the Pantheon’s oculus, and the creamy gelato at Giolitti nearby.

Evening: Dinner at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (Roman classics and an epic wine list). If booked out, try Armando al Pantheon for cacio e pepe that sings. Stroll to the Trevi Fountain after dusk when its marble glows and the crowds thin.

Day 2: Gladiators, Emperors, and Trastevere Bites

Morning: Dive into Ancient Rome with a guided Colosseum experience for context and skip-the-line entry:

Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour

Walk the arena floor, then continue through the Forum and Palatine Hill where Rome’s origin story unfolded.

Afternoon: Refuel in Monti: try Al Vino Al Vino for a glass and caponata, or sample trapizzini (Roman “pizza pockets”) at the namesake spot in nearby Trastevere later. Espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon.

Evening: Make dinner the experience with the award-winning food walk:

Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Expect suppli, porchetta, Roman pastas, and a sweet finale—plus stories that tie it all together.

Day 3: Vatican Masterpieces and Sunset Spin

Morning: See the Vatican with priority access before the big crowds:

Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Marvel at Michelangelo’s ceiling and the soaring basilica. Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered).

Afternoon: Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci (inventive pizza al taglio). Walk via Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber’s bridges to Piazza del Popolo. Gelato at Gelateria La Romana.

Evening: Cover more ground without the foot mileage:

Rome Highlights City Tour by Golf Cart with Gelato

See fountains and hilltop views at golden hour—tasty gelato included.

Day 4: Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast (Full-Day)

Tick off two Italian dreams in a single curated day from Rome:

Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome

Walk ancient streets with an expert, then wind along the Amalfi Drive to Positano’s pastel terraces. Expect an early start and a 12–13 hour day; bring a hat, water, and comfy shoes.

Florence

Renaissance Florence is a living canvas where guild palaces, Medici chapels, and artisan workshops still shape daily life. It’s compact and walkable, with sunsets that gild the Arno and evenings made for aperitivo under 500-year-old facades.

• Top sights: Duomo and Brunelleschi’s dome, Uffizi, Accademia (David), Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, Oltrarno craft quarter, Boboli Gardens.
• Why go: Masterpieces within steps, markets brimming with Tuscan flavors, and easy access to countryside, Chianti, and Italy’s Motor Valley.
• Fun facts: Florence birthed banking, haute couture, and gelato lore; its cathedral took 140+ years to complete.

Where to stay (affiliate):

• Iconic stay: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – a art-filled noble residence with tranquil gardens.
• Historic-luxe: Hotel Brunelleschi – set around a Byzantine tower steps from the Duomo.
• Design-forward: Grand Hotel Minerva – rooftop pool and Duomo views on Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
• Boutique value: Hotel Davanzati – warm hospitality in the historic center.

Browse more stays: VRBO Florence or Hotels.com Florence.

Getting from Rome to Florence (affiliate): Take a high-speed train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (~1h30–1h40, ~€25–€60 if booked ahead) via Omio (trains). Buses are slower but cheaper via Omio (buses). If you’re flying into/out of Europe, compare fares on Omio (flights); long-haul options via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 5: Duomo to Oltrarno—Florence 101

Morning: Coffee at Ditta Artigianale, then circle the Duomo complex. Climb Brunelleschi’s dome (timed ticket recommended) for terracotta rooftops as far as Fiesole.

Afternoon: Lunch at Trattoria Mario (lively, lunch-only; try ribollita or bistecca fiorentina to share). Walk Piazza della Signoria to the Uffizi courtyard, then cross Ponte Vecchio to the artisan workshops of the Oltrarno—peek into a bookbinder or goldsmith’s studio.

Evening: Aperitivo at La Terrazza (rooftop near Via Tornabuoni). Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo (old-school Florentine favorites) or Il Santo Bevitore (modern Tuscan). Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri.

Day 6: Your Ferrari Driving Experience in the Motor Valley (Full-Day)

Today is all about living “vorrei guidare una Ferrari” for real. The most authentic place is Maranello, home of Ferrari. From Florence, it’s ~1h45–2h each way by car (note Florence’s ZTL; pick up your rental outside the center) or ~1h40 by train to Modena plus a 30–40 minute bus/taxi to Maranello.

• Ferrari test drive: Around Maranello, authorized operators offer road test drives from 10 to 60 minutes (roughly €120–€600+ depending on model and duration). Some also offer laps at the Autodromo di Modena (prices higher; book ahead). Bring a valid driver’s license and a credit card; age limits and insurance deposits apply.
• Museo Ferrari (Maranello) + Museo Enzo Ferrari (Modena): Pair them for the full story—from racing legends and F1 trophies to Enzo’s origins. Combined ticket typically ~€30–€35.
• Lunch like a driver: Reserve Ristorante Montana (near the Fiorano track), a favorite of Ferrari crews—homestyle tortellini in brodo and tagliata.
• Bonus Motor Valley stops (time permitting): Pagani factory (bespoke hypercars) or Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata. Both require advance reservations; factory tours are limited.

Tips: Avoid peak weekend slots; arrive 20–30 minutes early for paperwork. If you prefer a chauffeured option, book an in-car co-pilot experience. Don’t drive into Florence’s ZTL on return—drop the car at the same rental location outside the zone.

Day 7: Hands-On Pasta, Then Departure

Morning: End with a delicious skill you’ll bring home.

Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine

Learn to make ravioli, tagliatelle, and a seasonal sauce—then sit down to enjoy your creations with a glass of Tuscan red. Alternative for wine lovers: a half-day countryside tasting such as the Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside

Afternoon (departure): Quick lunch at Mercato Centrale (try fresh pasta at Pastificio, lampredotto panino downstairs). Head to FLR airport or Firenze SMN station. For intra-Europe flights: Omio. Trains to Rome/Milan: Omio (trains). For long-haul flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Additional Rome & Florence Food and Coffee Picks

• Rome breakfast/coffee: Pasticceria Regoli (cream-filled maritozzi), Sant’Eustachio (classic espresso), Marigold (Scandi-Italian bakery plates in Ostiense).
• Rome casual lunches: Trapizzino (portable Roman street food), Pizzarium Bonci (inventive slices), Mercato Testaccio (multiple stalls; try Mordi e Vai’s panini).
• Rome dinners: Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere), SantoPalato (updated Roman cucina), Cesare al Casaletto (off-center, worth the ride).
• Florence coffee & sweets: Caffè Gilli (belle époque), La Ménagère (design-forward café), Pasticceria Nencioni (old-school pastries).
• Florence lunches: All’Antico Vinaio (famous schiacciata sandwiches), Trattoria Sergio Gozzi (traditional soups and meats), Osteria All’Antico Ristoro di Cambi (for bistecca).
• Florence dinners: Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (slow-braised wild boar), Bottega del Buon Caffè (splurge tasting menus), Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina (wine-driven plates).

Estimated costs snapshot (per person): High-speed train Rome–Florence €25–€60; Colosseum/Vatican guided tours €50–€100+; Pompeii & Amalfi full-day €150–€200; Ferrari museum combo €30–€35; Ferrari test drive €120–€600+ depending on duration/model.

With this week, you’ll trace empires and masterpieces, eat memorably every day, and fulfill the dream of a Ferrari steering wheel in your hands. Italy rewards curiosity—so linger where it’s lively, wander when it’s quiet, and let the Motor Valley rumble be your unforgettable exclamation point.